Pivoting collapsible electrical device cover

ABSTRACT

An electrical device cover comprises a base with an opening in a back wall of the base sized to receive an electrical device and a lid coupled to the base at a first base end through a hinge, the lid pivotable between and open position and at least one closed position. The base comprises a notch on a base wall extending away from the first base end. A first lid end is hingedly coupled to the first base end such that the first lid end is selectively adjustable with respect to the base toward and away from the second base end. A lid pin extends from the lid towards the notch when the lid is in at least one closed position wherein the lid pin seats in the notch when the first lid end is selectively adjusted toward the second base end.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This document is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/366,276 to Richard Cleghorn, et al which wasfiled on Feb. 5, 2009 entitled “Pivoting Collapsing Electrical DeviceCover”, and claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 61/114,420, entitled “Electrical Weatherproof Cover”to Richard Cleghorn, et al. which was filed on Nov. 13, 2008 and U.S.Provisional Patent Application 61/114,411, entitled “Hinged Enclosure”to Richard Cleghorn, et al. which was filed on Nov. 13, 2008, thecontents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Aspects of this document relate generally to electrical device covers.

2. Background Art

Electrical device covers are conventionally used to protect electricaldevices from water and other contaminants, prevent access to electricalwires, and/or provide a particular decorative look to an installedelectrical device. Conventional electrical device covers may include avariety of components, such as bases and lids, and may be mounted in avariety of orientations, such as horizontal or vertical. Electricaldevice covers may be used in a variety of locations, includinginterior/exterior walls or recessed within a wall or other structure.

SUMMARY

In an aspect, an electrical device cover may comprise a base configuredto mount to an electrical box, the base comprising an opening in a backside large enough to receive an electrical device, the base furthercomprising a first base end and a second base end and a notch on a basewall at or near the second base end and at or near a front opening ofthe base, the notch extending away from the first base end. The lid maycomprise a lid pin extending toward the notch on the base wall when thelid is in at least one closed position in relation to the base, the lidmay further comprise a first lid end and a second lid end. The first lidend may be hingedly coupled to the first base end through a hingeconfigured such that the first end of the lid is selectively adjustablewith respect to the base toward and away from the second base end. Thelid may be pivotable through the hinge with respect to the base betweenan open position and at least one closed position, and wherein in the atleast one closed position the lid pin may seat in the notch on the basewall when the first end of the lid is selectively adjusted toward thesecond base end.

Particular implementations may include one or more of the following. Thenotch may comprise a first notch wall and a second notch wall extendingaway from the base wall wherein at least one of the notch walls occupiesa plane that is nonparallel to the back side of the base. There may be asecond notch on the base wall at or near the second base end and theback wall of the base wherein the lid pin seats adjacent to the secondnotch on the base wall when the first end of the lid is selectivelyadjusted toward the second base end and the lid is in a collapsedposition. The lid pin may seat between the second notch and the backside of the base when the first end of the lid is selectively adjustedtoward the second base end and the lid is in a collapsed position. Thelid may be latched such that it is restricted from moving to the openposition when the lid pin is seated in a notch on the base wall. Alocking tab may extend away from the base, wherein the position of thelocking tab is slidably adjustable along a channel on the base. Arotatable locking tab may extend away from the base, wherein theposition of the rotatable locking tab is adjusted by rotating thelocking tab relative to an initial position. The rotatable lock tab maybe adjusted by rotating the locking tab 180 degrees relative to theinitial position. One or more notches on the base wall may be configuredsuch that the end of the notch located farthest from the first base endis open. There may be a track between the notch and the back side of thebase.

In another aspect, an electrical device cover may comprise a baseconfigured to mount to an electrical box, the base comprising an openingin a back side large enough to receive an electrical device, the basefurther comprising a first base end. The lid may comprise a first lidend and a second lid end wherein the first lid end is hingedly coupledto the first base end through a hinge. An adjustable locking tab may beadjustably coupled to the base and may be configured to lock the lid andbase together at an expanded closed position relative to the base and ata collapsed closed position relative to the base.

Particular implementations may include one or more of the following. Theadjustable locking tab may be rotatable relative to an initial position.For example, the adjustable locking tab may be rotatable 180 degreesrelative to the initial position. The adjustable locking tab may beslidably adjustable along a channel on the bottom wall of the base. Theadjustable locking tab may further comprise two openings therethrough,each opening large enough to receive a lock. Through pivoting, the lidmay be maintained at an expanded closed position. An opening may existbetween the lid and the base that is large enough for an electrical cordto extend when the lid is at the expanded closed position. This openingbetween the lid and the base may comprises a cord port.

In another aspect, an electrical device cover may comprise a baseconfigured to mount to an electrical box, the base comprising an openingin a back side large enough to receive an electrical device, the basefurther comprising a first base end. The lid may comprise a first lidend and a second lid end, the first lid end hingedly coupled to thefirst base end through a hinge, the lid configured to pivot between acollapsed closed position wherein the lid is collapsed against the base,an expanded closed position wherein the lid is immediately adjacent thebase but farther from the back side than in the collapsed closedposition, and an open position wherein an inside of the base is exposed.The lid may maintain itself in the expanded closed position such that anopening exists between the lid and the base that is large enough for anelectrical cord to extend through when the lid is at the expanded closedposition.

In another aspect, a method of using an electrical device cover maycomprise mounting a base to an electrical box, the base comprising anopening in a back side large enough to receive an electrical device, thebase further comprising a first base end; hingedly coupling a first lidend to the first base end through a hinge; hingedly moving the lid inrelation to the base from a collapsed closed position to an expandedclosed position wherein a second lid end is immediately adjacent thebase but farther from the back side than in the collapsed closedposition; and self-maintaining the lid in the expanded closed position.

Particular implementations may include one or more of the following.Pivoting the lid through the hinge to the collapsed closed position,selectively adjusting the first lid end toward a second base end, andsimultaneously seating a lid pin in a notch on a base wall when thefirst lid end is selectively adjusted toward the second base end.Locking the lid into the expanded closed position may occur using alocking tab that extends away from the base. The method may furthercomprise adjusting the locking tab from an expanded closed position to acollapsed closed position. The method may further comprise adjusting thelocking tab by rotating the locking tab between the expanded closedposition and the collapsed closed position. The method may furthercomprise adjusting the locking tab by sliding the locking tab along achannel in the base.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from theDESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.

Aspects and applications of the disclosure presented here are describedbelow in the drawings and detailed description. Unless specificallynoted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specificationand the claims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning tothose of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventors are fullyaware that they can be their own lexicographers if desired. Theinventors expressly elect, as their own lexicographers, to use only theplain and ordinary meaning of terms in the specification and claimsunless they clearly state otherwise and then further, expressly setforth the “special” definition of that term and explain how it differsfrom the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements ofintent to apply a “special” definition, it is the inventors' intent anddesire that the simple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms beapplied to the interpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventors are also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventors are fully informed of the standards andapplication of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Thus, theuse of the words “function,” “means” or “step” in the DetailedDescription or Description of the Drawings or claims is not intended tosomehow indicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C.§112, ¶6, to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 are sought to be invoked to define the inventions,the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases“means for” or “step for, and will also recite the word “function”(i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insertfunction]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure,material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claimsrecite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step forperforming the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite anystructure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or thatperform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Moreover,even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6 are invoked to define theclaimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited onlyto the specific structure, material or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are wellknown present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material oracts for performing the claimed function.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The electrical device cover will hereinafter be described in conjunctionwith the appended drawings, where like designations denote likeelements, and:

FIG. 1 is a break apart view of one implementation of an electricaldevice cover;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the electrical device cover of FIG. 1 assembledand in an open position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the electrical device cover of FIG. 2 ina first closed position;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the electrical device cover of FIG. 2 in afirst closed position;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the electrical device cover of FIG. 2 in asecond closed position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective rear side view of an upper portion of theelectrical device cover of claim 2 in a closed position with the firstlid end selectively adjusted away from the second base end of theelectrical device cover;

FIG. 7 is the electrical device cover of FIG. 6 with the first lid endselectively adjusted toward the second base end of the electrical devicecover;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the base and hinge pin of the electrical devicecover of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective rear side view of a lower portion of theelectrical device cover of claim 2 in a closed position;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a lower portion of the base of the electricaldevice cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a method of using an electrical devicecover;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the base of one implementation of anelectrical device cover having an angled notch wall;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the notch shown in circle A of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the base of one implementation of anelectrical device cover having notches with open ends and a track;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the base of one implementation of anelectrical device cover having notches with open ends without a track;

FIGS. 16-17 depict a side view of the base of one implementation of anelectrical device cover having a rotatable locking tab configured tolock the base and lid together at collapsed and expanded closedpositions, respectively;

FIGS. 18-19 depict a side view of the electrical device cover of FIGS.16-17 having a lid positioned at collapsed and expanded closedpositions, respectively;

FIGS. 20-21 depict a side view of the base of one implementation of anelectrical device cover having a slidably adjustable locking tabconfigured to lock the base and lid together at collapsed and expandedclosed positions, respectively;

FIGS. 22-23 depict a side view of the electrical device cover of FIGS.20-21 having a lid positioned at lockable collapsed and expanded closedpositions, respectively;

FIG. 24 is a break apart view of one implementation of an electricaldevice configured to support a latch; and

FIGS. 25-26 depict the implementation of FIG. 24 having a latch inengaged and non-engaged positions, respectively.

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to thespecific components or assembly procedures disclosed herein. Manyadditional components and assembly procedures known in the artconsistent with the intended operation and assembly procedures for anelectrical device cover will become apparent for use withimplementations of an electrical device cover from this disclosure.Accordingly, for example, although particular lids, bases, and hingecomponents are disclosed, such lids, bases, and hinge components andother implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type,model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, and/orthe like as is known in the art for such implementing components,consistent with the intended operation of an electrical device cover.

There are a variety of implementations of the electrical device coverassembly possible from the present disclosure. FIGS. 1-10 and 12-26illustrate some non-limiting examples of implementations of anelectrical device cover assembly, but those of ordinary skill in the artwill readily comprehend other particular implementations and variationsfrom the disclosure provided in relation to this particularimplementation. Referring now to FIG. 1, in one particularimplementation, an electrical device cover 100 comprises a base 200configured to mount to an electrical box. The base 200 comprises anopening 202 in a back wall 210 large enough to receive an electricaldevice.

The electrical device may include, but is not limited to, an electricaloutlet, a duplex electrical outlet, a decora electrical outlet, a groundfault circuit interrupt (GFCI) electrical outlet, a round electricaloutlet, a switch, and so forth. In alternative implementations not shownin the figures, the base 200 may be configured to have one or moreremovable tab members or adapters allowing for the conversion from noopening 202 to an opening 202 sized for example to receive one of theelectrical devices mentioned above or other electrical devices. The base200 could also be configured to have one or more removable tab membersor adapters allowing for the conversion from one sized opening 202 toanother sized opening 202 such as to be capable of receiving varioussizes of electrical devices. Examples of structures that may be used toenable a base member to be configured for conversion between variousother configurations are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,723,922to Shotey et al. (issued Apr. 20, 2004) titled “Universal cover plate”,6,987,225 to Shotey et al. (issued Jan. 17, 2006) titled “Convertibleelectrical device cover and method for installing same”, 6,441,307 toShotey et al. (issued Aug. 27, 2002) titled “Universal Cover Plate,” and6,770,816 to Shotey et al. (issued Aug. 3, 2004) titled “Convertibleelectrical device cover and method for installing same”, the relevantdisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Assuggested in U.S. Pat. No. 6,770,816, the base member may be configuredwith an opening and attachment members and replaceable adapter platesmay be used to enable the installer to select the desired baseconfiguration. These references also include examples of removable cordescape tabs for vertical or horizontal orientations, which also may beincluded in the present electrical device cover, although not depictedin the drawings.

The base 200 further comprises a first base end 212 and a second baseend 214 and a track 220 on a base wall 230 at or near the second baseend 214. The track 220 comprises two notches in a side of the track 220,the notches extending away from the first base end 212. The notchescomprise a first notch 224 near a front opening 240 of the base 200 anda second notch 226 near the back wall 210 of the base 200. The back wall210 of the base may be permanently attached to the base 200 or maycomprise a removable back wall side 210 coupled to the base 200. In theembodiments depicted in FIGS. 1-10, the track 220 is proximate thesecond base end 214. In alternative embodiments the track may be locatedproximate the first base end 212 or somewhere in between. In variousembodiments the track 220 comprises two tracks 220—one track 220 on eachof two opposite base walls 230. In alternative embodiments, notches 224and 226 may exist without a track 220 being present, as depicted in FIG.15. While not specifically depicted in the drawings, some embodimentsmay comprise only one notch 224 near a front opening 240 of the base 200that allows a lid 300 to be selectively adjusted to an expanded closedposition. As depicted in FIGS. 12-13, at least one of the notch wallsmay comprise an angled notch wall 700 or 702 that tapers in toward theopening of the notch 224 closest the first base end 212. This mayprovide the advantage of requiring more force to remove a lid pin 320from the notch 224 after the lid pin 320 has been seated in the notch224. This is particularly useful in situations where an electrical cordcap is plugged into an electrical device within the cover and the cordextends from the cover. Requiring more force to remove the lid pin 320from the notch 224 means that it also requires more pull force on thecord to open the cover. FIGS. 14-15 depict alternative embodimentswherein the notches 224, 226 have an open end located at the end of thenotch farthest from the first base end 212. As shown in FIG. 14, notch226 may comprise one wall located on the base 200 and the other notchwall may be formed by a surface of the wall to which the electricaldevice cover is mounted so that the lid pin sits between the notch 226wall and the back side 210 of the base.

The electrical device cover 100 further comprises a lid 300 comprising afirst lid end 310 and a second lid end 312, the first lid end 310hingedly coupled to the first base end 212 through a hinge 400 (FIG. 2)configured such that the first lid end 310 in a closed position (such asin FIGS. 3-9) is selectively adjustable generally parallel to the backwall 210 of the base 200 toward and away from the second base end 214.FIG. 2 is an assembled view of the electrical device cover 100 with thelid 300 in an open position. FIGS. 3-9 illustrate the electrical devicecover 100 with the lid 300 in a closed position. When the lid 300 is ina first closed position, depicted in FIG. 4, the first lid end 310 isselectively adjustable in a direction not quite exactly parallel, butgenerally parallel, to the back wall 210 of the base 200, toward andaway from the second base end 214. When the lid 300 is in a secondclosed position, depicted in FIG. 5, the first lid end 310 isselectively adjustable in a direction generally parallel to the backwall 210 of the base 200, toward and away from the second base end 214.Accordingly, although the first lid end 310 in the closed position ofFIG. 4 is selectively adjustable in a direction generally parallel tothe back wall 210 of the base 200.

The lid 300 further comprises a lid pin 320 (FIG. 9) extending towardthe track 220 on the base wall 230 when the lid 300 is in at least oneclosed position in relation to the base 200. The lid pin 320 in thisembodiment extends out from an inner sidewall of the lid 300. In otherembodiments the lid pin 320 could extend out from an edge of the lid300, or from an outer sidewall of the lid 300, and so forth. The lid pin320 depicted in FIG. 9 is proximate the second lid end 312. Inalternative embodiments the lid pin 320 could be proximate the first lidend 310 or somewhere in between. The lid 300 of this particularembodiment is pivotable through the hinge 400 with respect to the base200 between an open position (FIG. 2) and two closed positions (FIGS.3-4 and 9; and FIGS. 5-8). In each of the closed positions the lid pin320 (FIG. 9) seats in the at least one notch of the track 220 on thebase 200 when the first lid end 310 is selectively adjusted toward thesecond base end 214. In various other embodiments, the lid 300 may bepivotable with respect to the base 200 between an open position and onlyone closed position, or more than two closed positions, and so forth.

In the first closed position, pictured in FIGS. 3-4, the lid pin 320(FIG. 9) is seated in the first notch 224. In a second closed position,pictured in FIG. 5, the lid pin 320 (FIG. 9) is seated in the secondnotch 226. When the lid pin 320 is seated in one of the notches (224 or226) the lid 300 is in a latched position, meaning that the lid 300 isnot pivotable with respect to the base 200 until a user manually adjuststhe first lid end 310 away from the second base end 214 generallyparallel to the back wall 210 to remove the lid pin 320 from the notchin which it is seated. Once the lid pin 320 fully exits the notch fromwhich it is seated, the lid 300 is in an unlatched position and is againpivotable with respect to the base 200.

When the lid 300 is in the first closed position, depicted in FIGS. 3-4,a cord may exit the electrical device cover 100 through a cord escape232 (FIG. 1) in the base 200. In this way the electrical device cover100 may function as a while-in-use electrical device cover, allowing auser to plug a cord into an electrical device and then close the lid 300to the first closed position—thereby protecting the electrical deviceand cord but still allowing the electrical device to be used. The cordescape 232 or cord port alternatively could be formed as part of the lid300, or both the lid 300 and the base 200. The cord escape 232 maycomprise in certain embodiments a push-out tab or other removable piecethat when removed forms the cord escape 232 or cord port.

In the implementation depicted in FIGS. 1-10, the hinge 400 comprises: ahinge pin holder 410 (FIG. 1) on the base 200 at or near the first baseend 212; and a hinge pin 420 held by the hinge pin holder 410, and thelid 300 is coupled to the hinge pin 420 and is fixed in positionrelative to the hinge pin 420. In this particular embodiment, this isaccomplished by approximating the shape of the cross section of thehinge pin 420, which is a circle with a depression or notch removed,with a matching hole in the lid 300, also a circle with a protrusionextending from an inner surface of the circle, configured to receive thehinge pin 420, so that when the lid 300 is coupled to the hinge pin 420through the matching hole the lid 300 and hinge pin 420 are thenrotationally fixed in position relative to each other. The lid 300 canthen pivot and the hinge pin 420 will correspondingly pivot togetherwith it. The hinge pin holder 410 is a passage through which the hingepin 420 can pass. In alternative embodiments, the hinge pin holder 410could comprise a snap-in holder, a tunnel, and so forth. The hinge pinholder 410 is fixed in position relative to the base 200. The hinge pinholder 410 may be shaped to mate with the shape of the hinge pin 420(FIG. 8), when the first lid end 310 is selectively adjusted toward thesecond base end 214 in the at least one closed position, to assist inlatching the lid 300 in a closed position.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an end 425 view of the hinge pin 420 comprisesthe shape of a circle with a depression 427, the depression 427corresponding to a projection 412 in the hinge pin holder 410 such thatwhen the depression 427 of the circle aligns with the projection 412 thefirst lid end 310 is adjustable toward the second base end 214. The endview in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8 is on the end 425 of thehinge pin 420. The hinge pin 420 need not comprise the shape of the end425 with the shape of a circle with a depression 427 along the fulllength of the hinge pin 420—it could be only on one or both ends or inone or more discrete locations along the length of the hinge pin 420.For instance in various embodiments a portion of the hinge pin 420 maycomprise one or more cross sections of a circle with a depression 427while the rest of the hinge pin 420 comprises a cross section of acomplete circle with no depression 427.

FIG. 11 illustrates a non-limiting example of one method of using theelectrical device cover 100 described with reference to FIGS. 2-5, butthose of ordinary skill in the art will readily comprehend otherparticular implementations and variations from the disclosure providedin relation to this particular method. Referring now to FIG. 11, amethod of using an electrical device comprises mounting the base 200 tothe electrical box (step 610). The base 200 is generally mounted to anelectrical box like other conventional while-in-use cover using boxmounting screws that extend through box mounting screw apertures in thebase (see FIG. 6). The lid 300 is coupled to the base through a lid pin320 as described elsewhere in this application. The method furthercomprises pivoting the lid to from an open position to a first closedposition (step 612) and latching (step 614) the electrical outlet coverby sliding the lid pin along the base track and seating it in a notch ofthe base track. When the lid pin seats in the notch of the base, the lidmoves downward in the direction of the bottom end of the base and thedepression in the hinge pin couples with the projection in the hinge pinholder. The step of pivoting the lid to a closed position (step 612) mayfurther comprise pivoting the lid to a second closed position where thelid is collapsed from its first closed position. This also involvessliding the lid pin along the base track (farther than with the previousopening to the track) and seating the lid pin in a second notch of thebase track. The lid is again latched in this position by the hinge pincoupling with the projection in the hinge pin holder. The method mayfurther comprise aligning the depression 427 in the hinge pin 420 withthe projection 412 in the hinge pin holder 410 (step 634). The methodmay further comprise pivoting the hinge pin 420 (step 638).

In one method of using the electrical device cover 100 the step 610comprises mounting a base 200 of the electrical device cover 100 to anelectrical box and receiving an electrical device through an opening 202in a back wall 210 of the base 200, step 612 comprises pivoting a lid300, through a hinge 400 coupled to the base 200, at or near a firstbase end 212 and coupled to the lid 300 at or near a first lid end 310,to an open position and pivoting the lid 300 to at least one closedposition and engaging a lid pin 320 on the lid 300 with a track 220 on abase wall 230 at or near a second base end 214, and step 614 compriseslatching the electrical device cover 100 by selectively adjusting thefirst lid end 310 generally parallel to the back wall 210 of the base200 toward the second base end 214 and seating the lid pin 320 in anotch on the track 220.

In this method the step 612 of pivoting the lid 300 to at least oneclosed position and engaging the lid pin 320 may further compriseautomatically pivoting the lid 300 to at least one closed position bygravity upon manual release of the lid 300 from an open position, andautomatically adjusting the first lid end 310 generally parallel to theback wall 210 of the base 200 toward a second base end 214 opposite thefirst base end 212 by gravity. The step of seating the lid pin in anotch of the base may comprise seating the lid pin 320 in a first notch224 of the track 220 near a front opening 240 of the base by gravity. Inother words a user holding the lid 300 in an open position may let go ofthe lid 300, and upon letting go of the lid 300 it may pivot towards thefirst closed position. Upon the lid 300 pivoting to the point where thelid pin 320 is aligned with the first notch 224, the first lid end 310adjusts by gravity, generally parallel to the back wall 210 of the base,towards the second base end 214, and the lid pin 320 resultantly seatsin the first notch 224.

This method may further comprise the step of sliding the lid pin 320along the track 220 towards the back wall 210, and seating the lid pin320 in a second notch 226 of the track 220 near the back wall 210 (step632). The method may also further comprise aligning a depression 427 ina hinge pin 420 of the hinge 400 with a corresponding projection 412 ina hinge pin holder 410 of the hinge 400, such that when the depression427 aligns with the projection 412, the second lid end 312 is positionedfor the lid pin 320 to be seated in the notch. The method may furthercomprise pivoting the hinge pin 420 with the position of the hinge pin420 fixed relative to the lid 300.

The method may further comprise allowing a cord to escape through theelectrical device cover 100 through a cord escape 232 when the lid 300is in the first closed position.

FIGS. 16-23 depict alternative embodiments of an electrical device coverfurther comprising an optional adjustable locking tab 720, 740 that isadjustably coupled to the bottom wall 710 of the base 200 such that theadjustable locking tab 720, 740 is configured to provide a lockingposition to lock the lid 300 and the base 200 together at an expandedclosed position and a collapsed closed position relative to the base200. Insertion of a pad lock or other locking pin through the alignedopenings of the lid 300 and base 200 is one way to lock in each of thelocking positions. FIGS. 16-19 depict an embodiment having a rotatablelocking tab 740 that rotates to a second expanded position (FIG. 17)relative to its initial position (FIG. 16) allowing the lid 300 to belocked in a collapsed closed position relative to the base 200 (FIG. 18)or an expanded closed position relative to the base 200 (FIG. 19). Thelocking tab 740 may be coupled to the base through a screw,spring-biased fitting or other method known in the art for allowingrotatably coupled components to be coupled to a base.

FIGS. 20-23 depict an embodiment having a slidable locking tab 720 thatslides along a channel 730 on the bottom wall 710 of the base 200allowing the lid 300 to be locked in a collapsed closed positionrelative to the base 200 (FIG. 22) or an expanded closed positionrelative to the base 200 (FIG. 23). FIGS. 18-19 and 22-23 further depicta lid extension 770 having an opening that aligns with an opening 750 ofthe adjustable locking tab 720, 740 that is large enough to allow a lockto pass through the openings 750. The slidable locking tab 720 may alsohave two openings 750, 751 such that the first opening 750 is receivedby the lid extension 770 when the lid 300 is in a collapsed closedposition and the second opening 751 is received by the lid extension 770when the lid 300 is in an expanded closed position.

FIGS. 24-26 depict an alternative embodiment of an electrical devicecover that utilizes a lid pin 760 that seats in a notch 780 on the base200 and secures the base 200 and lid 300 together. FIG. 25 shows the lidpin 760 in a seated position in the notch 780 such that the lid 300 andbase 200 are secured together. FIG. 26 shows the lid pin 760 in anunseated position in the notch 780 such that the lid 300 and base 200are unsecured. Like the hinge pin discussed with respect to FIG. 8, thisas the hinge pin 420 moves closer to and farther away from the secondbase end 790, the lid pin 760 is seated on (so the lid cannot beopened), and unseated from the notch 780.

It will be understood that implementations are not limited to thespecific components disclosed herein, as virtually any componentsconsistent with the intended operation of a method and/or systemimplementation for an electrical device cover may be utilized.Accordingly, for example, although particular lids, hinges, and basesmay be disclosed, such components may comprise any shape, size, style,type, model, version, class, grade, measurement, concentration,material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intendedoperation of a method and/or system implementation for an electricaldevice cover.

The concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specificimplementations shown herein. For example, it is specificallycontemplated that the components included in a particular implementationof an electrical device cover may be formed of any of many differenttypes of materials or combinations that can readily be formed intoshaped objects and that are consistent with the intended operation of anelectrical device cover. For example, the components may be formed of:rubbers (synthetic and/or natural) and/or other like materials; polymersand/or other like materials; plastics, and/or other like materials;composites and/or other like materials; metals and/or other likematerials; alloys and/or other like materials; and/or any combination ofthe foregoing.

Furthermore, the electrical device covers, lids, bases, removable tabs,adapters, hinges, cord ports, and electrical devices, and any othercomponents forming a particular implementation of an electrical devicecover may be manufactured separately and then assembled together, or anyor all of the components may be manufactured simultaneously andintegrally joined with one another. Manufacture of these componentsseparately or simultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuumforming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding,casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning,grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening,riveting, punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the componentsare manufactured separately, they may then be coupled or removablycoupled with one another in any manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, afastener, any combination thereof, and/or the like for example,depending on, among other considerations, the particular material(s)forming the components.

In places where the description above refers to particularimplementations of an electrical device cover, it should be readilyapparent that a number of modifications may be made without departingfrom the spirit thereof and that these implementations may be applied toother electrical device covers. The accompanying claims are intended tocover such modifications as would fall within the true spirit and scopeof the disclosure set forth in this document. The presently disclosedimplementations are, therefore, to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the disclosure beingindicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description.All changes that come within the meaning of and range of equivalency ofthe claims are intended to be embraced therein.

1. An electrical device cover, comprising: a base configured to mount toan electrical box, the base comprising an opening in a back side largeenough to receive an electrical device, the base further comprising afirst base end and a second base end and a notch on a base wall at ornear the second base end and at or near a front opening of the base, thenotch extending away from the first base end; and a lid comprising a lidpin extending toward the notch on the base wall when the lid is in atleast one closed position in relation to the base, the lid furthercomprising a first lid end and a second lid end, the first lid endhingedly coupled to the first base end through a hinge configured suchthat the first end of the lid is selectively adjustable with respect tothe base toward and away from the second base end; wherein the lid ispivotable through the hinge with respect to the base between an openposition and the at least one closed position, and wherein in the atleast one closed position the lid pin seats in the notch on the basewall when the first end of the lid is selectively adjusted toward thesecond base end.
 2. The electrical device cover of claim 1 wherein thenotch further comprises a first notch wall and a second notch wallextending away from the base wall wherein at least one of the notchwalls occupies a plane that is nonparallel to the back side of the base.3. The electrical device cover of claim 1 further comprising a secondnotch on the base wall at or near the second base end and the back wallof the base wherein the lid pin seats adjacent to the second notch onthe base wall when the first end of the lid is selectively adjustedtoward the second base end and the lid is in a collapsed position. 4.The electrical device cover of claim 3 wherein the lid pin seats betweenthe second notch and the back side of the base when the first end of thelid is selectively adjusted toward the second base end and the lid is ina collapsed position.
 5. The electrical device cover of claim 1, whereinwhen the lid pin is seated in the notch on the base wall, the lid islatched such that it is restricted from moving to the open position. 6.The electrical device cover of claim 5 further comprising a locking tabextending away from the base, wherein a position of the locking tab isslidably adjustable along a channel on the base.
 7. The electricaldevice cover of claim 5 further comprising a rotatable locking tabextending away from the base, wherein a position of the rotatablelocking tab is adjusted by rotating the locking tab relative to aninitial position.
 8. The electrical device cover of claim 7 wherein therotatable lock tab is adjusted by rotating the locking tab 180 degreesrelative to the initial position.
 9. The electrical cover of claim 1wherein an end of the notch located farthest from the first base end isopen.
 10. The electrical cover of claim 1 further comprising a trackbetween the notch and the back side of the base.
 11. An electricaldevice cover, comprising: a base configured to mount to an electricalbox, the base comprising an opening in a back side large enough toreceive an electrical device, the base further comprising a first baseend; a lid comprising a first lid end and a second lid end, the firstlid end hingedly coupled to the first base end through a hinge; and anadjustable locking tab adjustably coupled to the base, the adjustablelocking tab configured to lock the lid and base together at an expandedclosed position relative to the base and at a collapsed closed positionrelative to the base.
 12. The electrical device cover of claim 11wherein the adjustable locking tab is rotatable relative to an initialposition.
 13. The electrical device cover of claim 12, wherein theadjustable locking tab is rotatable 180 degrees relative to the initialposition.
 14. The electrical device cover of claim 11 wherein theadjustable locking tab is slidably adjustable along a channel on abottom wall of the base.
 15. The electrical device cover of claim 14wherein the adjustable locking tab further comprises two openingstherethrough, each opening large enough to receive a lock.
 16. Theelectrical device cover of claim 11 wherein through pivoting, the lid ismaintained at the expanded closed position.
 17. The electrical devicecover of claim 11 further comprising an opening between the lid and thebase large enough for an electrical cord to extend through the openingwhen the lid is at the expanded closed position.
 18. The electricaldevice cover of claim 17 wherein the opening between the lid and thebase comprises a cord port.
 19. An electrical device cover, comprising:a base configured to mount to an electrical box, the base comprising anopening in a back side large enough to receive an electrical device, thebase further comprising a first base end; and a lid comprising a firstlid end and a second lid end, the first lid end hingedly coupled to thefirst base end through a hinge, the lid configured to pivot between acollapsed closed position wherein the lid is collapsed against the base,an expanded closed position wherein the lid is immediately adjacent thebase but farther from the back side than in the collapsed closedposition, and an open position wherein an inside of the base is exposed;wherein the lid maintains itself in the expanded closed position suchthat an opening exists between the lid and the base that is large enoughfor an electrical cord to extend through when the lid is at the expandedclosed position.
 20. A method of using an electrical device cover, themethod comprising: mounting a base to an electrical box, the basecomprising an opening in a back side large enough to receive anelectrical device, the base further comprising a first base end;hingedly coupling a first lid end to the first base end through a hinge;hingedly moving the lid in relation to the base from a collapsed closedposition to an expanded closed position wherein a second lid end isimmediately adjacent the base but farther from the back side than in thecollapsed closed position; and self-maintaining the lid in the expandedclosed position.
 21. The method of claim 20 further comprising pivotingthe lid through the hinge to the collapsed closed position, selectivelyadjusting the first lid end toward a second base end, and simultaneouslyseating a lid pin in a notch on a base wall when the first lid end isselectively adjusted toward the second base end.
 22. The method of claim20 further comprising locking the lid into the expanded closed positionusing a locking tab that extends away from the base.
 23. The method ofclaim 22 further comprising adjusting the locking tab from an expandedclosed position to a collapsed closed position.
 24. The method of claim23 further comprising adjusting the locking tab by rotating the lockingtab between the expanded closed position and the collapsed closedposition.
 25. The method of claim 23 further comprising adjusting thelocking tab by sliding the locking tab along a channel in the base.